Mazda Mazda6 Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mazda Mazda6 model year (2003–2021) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mazda Mazda6 Years to Avoid
6 recalls · 263 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 283
5 recalls · 164 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 183
7 recalls · 142 complaints
5 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 173
Best Mazda Mazda6 Years to Buy
0 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 2
1 recall · 1 complaint
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 4
0 recalls · 8 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 8
Found the right year? Verify that specific Mazda6 with a free VIN report.
Mazda Mazda6 — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 8 | — | — | 8 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 0 | 2 | — | — | 2 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 4 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 1 | 47 | — | — | 50 | Good |
| 2017 | 0 | 40 | — | — | 40 | Good |
| 2016 | 0 | 54 | 11 | — | 76 | Good |
| 2015 | 1 | 40 | — | — | 43 | Good |
| 2014 | 1 | 96 | 8 | — | 115 | Caution |
| 2013 | 4 | 19 | 1 | — | 33 | Good |
| 2012 | 3 | 69 | 6 | — | 90 | Good |
| 2011 | 3 | 91 | 6 | — | 112 | Caution |
| 2010 | 5 | 164 | 2 | — | 183 | Caution |
| 2009 | 6 | 263 | 1 | — | 283 | Avoid |
| 2008 | 3 | 71 | 4 | — | 88 | Good |
| 2007 | 4 | 100 | 6 | 1 | 129 | Caution |
| 2006 | 5 | 110 | 6 | — | 137 | Caution |
| 2005 | 5 | 107 | 8 | — | 138 | Caution |
| 2004 | 6 | 105 | 11 | 1 | 150 | Caution |
| 2003 | 7 | 142 | 5 | — | 173 | Caution |
All 19 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Mazda Mazda6 Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2020Recent Mazda6 models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2020 stands out with just 2 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2013Mid-decade Mazda6 units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2013 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Mazda6 models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Mazda6 should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2009 Mazda Mazda6 if possible. It has 6 recalls, 263 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 283 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Mazda6 to buy?+
The 2020 Mazda Mazda6 is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 2. It has only 0 recalls and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Mazda6 has the fewest problems?+
The 2020, 2019, 2021 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mazda Mazda6 Research
Check a Specific Mazda Mazda6 VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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